The effects of three modalities on delayed onset muscle soreness.

Delayed onset muscle soreness is a common problem that can interfere with rehabilitation as well as activities of daily living. The purpose of this study was to test the impact of therapeutic massage, upper body ergometry, or microcurrent electrical stimulation on muscle soreness and force deficits evident following a high-intensity eccentric exercise bout. Forty untrained, volunteer female subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups or to a control group. Exercise consisted of high-intensity eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors. Resistance was reduced as subjects fatigued, until they reached exhaustion. Soreness rating was determined using a visual analog scale. Force deficits were determined by measures of maximal voluntary isometric contraction at 90 degrees of elbow flexion and peak torque for elbow flexion at 60 degrees/sec on a Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction and peak torque were determined at the 0 hour (before exercise) and again at 24 and 48 hours postexercise. Treatments were applied immediately following exercise and again at 24 hours after exercise. The control group subjects rested following their exercise bout. Statistical analysis showed significant increases in soreness rating and significant decreases in force generated when the 0 hour was compared with 24- and 48-hour measures. Further analysis indicated no statistically significant differences between massage, microcurrent electrical stimulation, upper body ergometry, and control groups.

Postural changes in dental hygienists. Four-year longitudinal study.

Numerous surveys identify the occurrence of musculoskeletal complaints as a concern in dentistry. However, no longitudinal data exist to indicate whether postural changes occur as a result of practicing dental hygiene. The purpose of this preliminary, four-year longitudinal study was to investigate whether any postural changes developed during the hygienists' clinical education and/or during subsequent dental hygiene practice after one and/or two years. It was anticipated that the awkward positions and intense physical demands placed on hygienists might initiate musculoskeletal problems, but that no postural changes would occur over this short period of time. Nine of 10 dental hygienists in the graduating class of 1987 were surveyed for existing musculoskeletal complaints, and the subjects were photographed for a measurement of postural change. Responses from participants indicated an increase in musculoskeletal-related complaints in each of the six areas investigated. The photographic findings indicated that one of the nine hygienists showed an increase in forward head posture, a postural change.

Spondylogenic disorders in gymnasts.

Spondylogenic injuries in gymnasts are not uncommon. As participation in organized gymnastics increases, health care professionals will be caring for more gymnasts who have spondylogenic disorders. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature regarding evaluation and treatment of various spondylogenic injuries. After defining various disorders, the mechanism of stress reaction in bone is presented. This aids the reader's understanding of how stress reactions can occur and progress in the gymnast. According to the literature, the gymnast usually presents with fairly reliable signs and symptoms, especially pain with hyperextension of the lumbar spine during single leg stance. Radiological studies are of significant diagnostic assistance, especially when a bone scan is used in conjunction with x-rays. Medical treatment methods vary widely, from complete immobilization to simple activity limitation. The rehabilitation and preventative aspects of care, as they relate to physical therapy, are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on spinal stabilization exercises to increase strength and muscular coordination. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1991;14(1):6-13.

A biomechanical basis for rehabilitation programs involving the patellofemoral joint.

Problems at the patellofemoral joint have long been recognized as a cause of dysfunction at the knee. This is true both when the patellofemoral joint is the primary site of involvement and when injury to other structures or aggressive activity/rehabilitation causes the patellofemoral joint to become involved. The purpose of this article is to review the biomechanics of the patellofemoral joint to facilitate the design of safe, effective, rehabilitation programs. The review of normal patellofemoral biomechanics is followed by general rehabilitation guidelines based on those normal biomechanics. These guidelines can be used to design individualized rehabilitation programs for patients with patellofemoral joint dysfunction, in place of putting all patellofemoral patients on a straight leg program regardless of pathology. Two case studies are presented that incorporate the rehabilitation guidelines that were developed based on normal biomechanics of the patellofemoral joint. One case study reviews the rehabilitation of a patient whose recurrent patellar subluxation is treated with a proximal realignment of the extensor mechanism. The other case study involves a patient with an open reduction internal fixation of a fractured patella. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1990;11(11):535-542.